The Western Downs Regional Council has announced a major stimulus package designed to offer support to the region during the COVID-19 crisis. The package is expected to create up to 1000 jobs, provide significant grants for community infrastructure, offer business support and accelerate major projects.

Endorsing the stimulus package at its first meeting following the March election, the council is pushing to deliver the multi-million dollar initiative which will offer targeted support to the community. Mayor Paul McVeigh said the package would cover five core programs focused on securing jobs and re-energising the economy.

“We’re putting everything on the table to support our economy and our communities through the recovery of this global crisis; this is our biggest ever commitment and I’m really proud that we have had the financial capacity to do this,” Cr McVeigh said. “The Western Downs Regional Council Recovery Package is focused on creating and securing local jobs for local people – which is why a $14.8 million suite of infrastructure projects will be fast tracked and completed within 12 months using local contractors and suppliers,” he said.

“Accelerated infrastructure projects include road surface upgrades and flood repairs, footpath installations, and community building and facility upgrades right across the Western Downs. We will also fast track the detailed design and implementation of 11 major projects, which will see exciting new or upgraded recreational spaces delivered at key destinations across the Western Downs.”

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